Costa Rica Caribbean Coast Tours & Trips
Ever wanted to experience Costa Rica's pura vida lifestyle fully? Relax on idyllic beaches, explore lush cloud forests, venture into dramatic volcanic landscapes, and surf at some world's most popular destinations. See incredible wildlife, pristine coastlines, and that laid-back Caribbean vibe that makes Costa Rica absolutely stunning.
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Patricia • traveled in April
The tour of Tortuguero was a pleasant surprise. Andrea gave us a personal experience, she is knowledgeable and passionate about the wildlife of Costa Rica. We saw so much wildlife on our boat and walking tours. The experience that we had on this tour was great from start to finish and I highly recommend this tour for anyone that enjoys nature.
Tortuguero National Park Tour – 4-Day Independent Adventure - W
Wendy • traveled in January, 2025
A very enjoyable tour! It started with an efficient pick-up at the airport. My original flight itinerary changed and I was very grateful for the assistance offered by Green World Adventures to catch me up to the group. Our first stop was in Tortuguero. I had missed the canal cruise due to the flight issue, but the guides offered to accommodate me on a different day which was most kind and appreciated. The wildlife viewing was amazing. Our second stop was in Puerto Vieja. Our visit to the National Park was awesome, again seeing lots of wildlife. We also nejoyed spending some time on the beach there. All our transfers were timely and friendly. Thanks, Green World Adventures!!
The Costa Rican Caribbean Adventure - M
Megan • traveled in August, 2025
Jorge Loria Zuñiga was a phenomenal tour guide. He went above and beyond to make our trip an unforgettable time. He is incredible at spotting birds, snakes, lizards, sloths, monkeys, and on on with the rich biodiversity that Costa Rica offers. This is the perfect job for this man, the love for his country and what he does shines through everyday, gifting to his entire group the magic that is offered in the beautiful land. Fantastic restaurant recommendations and making you feel like family. We were quite please with wingbuddy, the hotel selections were great. Most of them were small, my husband and I didn't mind this as we were just sleeping in them, we were wanting to be outside and hike as much as possible. The extra excursions may be worth it to add on prior to getting there. All in all the tour was planned well with adequate time in each place. You see so much of the country with this tour. We were quite lucky to have a great group that we all got along well with eachother. Again Jorge with costa rica hidden treasures (wingbuddy Im assuming contracts through this tour company) was the heart of this trip going so splendidly.
Costa Rica's Natural Wonders
The best Costa Rica Caribbean Coast tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaCosta Rica Caribbean Coast travel expert at TourRadar
- Tortuguero National Park Tour – 4-Day Independent Adventure
- The Costa Rican Caribbean Adventure
- Costa Rica's Natural Wonders
- Tortuguero Jungle Expedition, Short Break
- Tortuguero National Park Adventure 3D/2N
- Best of Costa Rica 9 Days Tour
- Puerto Viejo Beach, Short Break
- Cycle Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Family Escape
- Tortuguero: A natural paradise in Costa Rica
Tortuguero National Park Tour – 4-Day Independent Adventure
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Gorgeous location on the beach. The guided tours were incredible.”
Diewerkedezwarte, traveled in July
Cruise along Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast from Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero. Daily guided boat tours showcase diverse wildlife including howler monkeys and caiman. Includes 8 meals, comfortable accommodation, and optional activities like kayaking ($35).
Duration 4 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From
- US$739
The Costa Rican Caribbean Adventure
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We loved him. He is sooo energetic, with lots of experiences and deep knowledge.”
Tae, traveled in September
The canals of Tortuguero lead to Puerto Viejo's pristine beaches. Stay at Mawamba Lodge, spot nesting sea turtles (July-October), and hike Cahuita National Park's coastal trails. Includes expert guides rated 4.8/5.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Green World Adventures From $1,528
15% Off- US$1,299You save $229
Costa Rica's Natural Wonders
84 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Trip was amazing, definitely do the upgrades for hotels they were awesome.”
SHARON, traveled in April
Costa Rica's Caribbean coast unfolds through Tortuguero's canal network, mangrove forests, and pristine beaches. Two-night stay at Pachira Lodge includes guided boat tours, wildlife viewing, and optional night excursions.
Duration 11 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Guapiles, La Fortuna, La Guaria (La Fortuna), Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Jaco Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wingbuddy From $1,949
10% Off- US$1,754You save $195
Tortuguero Jungle Expedition, Short Break
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A fantastic and more unusual spot for wildlife watching. Many 'wishlist' species seen here, including sloth, toucan, croc and red eyed tree frog.”
Abby, traveled in July
The waterways of Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast come alive from Laguna Lodge in Tortuguero. Watch diverse wildlife, stroll through car-free village life, and join guided nature walks. Perfect base for the region's rich biodiversity and culture.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $590
15% Off- US$502You save $89
Tortuguero National Park Adventure 3D/2N
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We have seen a lot of wildlife by boat and hiking! Everything was well organized and the staff was friendly.”
Aniek, traveled in March
Tortuguero National Park reveals pristine beaches and lush rainforest along Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. Hidden waterways showcase sea turtle nesting sites and diverse wildlife while staying at comfortable eco-lodges.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
15% Off- US$653
Start in San Jose and head through Arenal Volcano National Park to the Caribbean Coast, staying in 3-star air-conditioned hotels like Hotel Arenal Montechiari and Hotel Pachira Lodge. You'll snorkel for 2 hours among coral reefs and tropical fish near Cahuita, then take a boat through Tortuguero's river canals to look for anteaters and monkeys. Walk rainforest trails with great coastal views before returning to the capital.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
15% Off- US$3,100
Puerto Viejo Beach, Short Break
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The accommodation was lovely. I've had a great trip.”
Kristina, traveled in March
Pristine beaches await at Le Caméleón or Villas del Caribe in Puerto Viejo. Trek through Cahuita National Park's coastal trail, spot diverse wildlife, and enjoy the region's unique Afro-Caribbean culture and untouched shores.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $851
15% Off- US$723You save $128
Cycle Costa Rica
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fab cycling, brilliant wildlife, a great selection of hotels - all very different.”
Alice, traveled in February
Lush rainforests of Tortuguero welcome you with diverse waterways and unique wildlife. The route winds through banana plantations and tropical landscapes before heading inland toward the Pacific shores.
Duration 14 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Guapiles, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Guanacaste National Park, Canas, Volcan Miravalles, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From $4,800
15% Off- US$4,080You save $720
Thrilling adventures await on this 8-day tour priced at approx. $410 per day. Zip-line through Monteverde's cloud forest canopy, spot dolphins off Carrillo Beach, and enjoy natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano. Family-friendly accommodations include Monteverde Country Lodge and Nammbu Hotel, with most featuring pools and volcano views.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, La Guaria (La Fortuna), Arenal, Tilaran, Monteverde, Samara, Playa Carrillo Age Range Ages 9+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $3,898
20% Off- US$3,120You save $778
Tortuguero: A natural paradise in Costa Rica
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great activities, pickups were punctual and accommodations were nice.”
Ian, traveled in August
Your path from San Jose leads to Tortuguero National Park's waterways. Navigate through jungle canals on safari boats, spot wildlife with naturalist guides, and immerse in local culture at Tortuguero Village. Includes 2 nights at a rainforest lodge with full-board dining and expert-guided excursions.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Green World Adventures From
20% Off- US$791
What our customers ask about Costa Rica Caribbean Coast Tours & Trips
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast?
The Caribbean Coast follows different weather patterns than the rest of Costa Rica. The best times to visit are March to April and September to October when rainfall is minimal. During these months visitors can fully enjoy activities like hiking in Cahuita National Park or exploring Tortuguero's canals. A TourRadar traveler who stayed at Tortuguero Beach Lodge noted "we had fantastic weather in March with clear skies perfect for wildlife viewing." For those interested in sea turtles July to October marks the peak nesting season at Tortuguero National Park.
What are the must-see highlights along Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast?
The centerpiece of the Caribbean Coast is Tortuguero National Park with its network of canals and rich wildlife. Visitors can explore Cahuita National Park's beaches and coral reefs or experience the Caribbean culture in Puerto Viejo. A TourRadar traveler shared "The Tortuguero boat tours were incredible - we saw sloths monkeys toucans and even baby caimans. Juan Miguel our guide was very knowledgeable about the animals and plants." Accommodation options include places like Laguna Lodge in Tortuguero and Le Caméléon in Puerto Viejo.
What is the accommodation like on the Caribbean Coast?
The coast offers a range of places to stay from basic eco-lodges to upscale hotels. Tortuguero features properties like Mawamba Lodge and Laguna Lodge which provide rooms with views of the jungle. In Puerto Viejo travelers can choose between upscale options like Le Caméléon and more budget-friendly choices such as Villas del Caribe. A TourRadar traveler described "The Evergreen Lodge in Tortuguero was perfectly located in the rainforest with 55 rooms all tastefully furnished with private bathrooms and ceiling fans plus a swimming pool and restaurant."
How accessible is the Caribbean Coast from San José?
Getting to the Caribbean Coast from San José is straightforward. Tortuguero requires a combined bus and boat journey taking 3-4 hours while Puerto Viejo is reachable by bus or shuttle in 4-5 hours. According to a TourRadar traveler "The journey from San José to Tortuguero with Laguna Lodge was well-organized including a breakfast stop and scenic boat ride through the canals." Most organized tours handle all transportation logistics from San José.
What wildlife can I expect to see on Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast?
The Caribbean Coast's ecosystems support an extensive variety of wildlife. Tortuguero National Park houses three monkey species 123 types of tropical fish and various sea turtles. Visitors to Cahuita National Park often encounter sloths white-nosed barbets and howler monkeys. A TourRadar traveler noted "Our guide's knowledge of the plants animals history and agriculture of Costa Rica was very impressive and significantly added to the enjoyment of the vacation." The region's waters are home to manatees caimans and more than 400 bird species.
What's the best length of time to explore Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast?
While 3-4 days allows for seeing the main attractions a 7-10 day visit provides time to fully experience the region. A TourRadar traveler suggested "Make the tour a couple of days longer. There was lots more to do in each location." A typical itinerary might include 3 nights at Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero for wildlife viewing followed by 2-3 nights in either Cahuita or Puerto Viejo for beach time and cultural experiences.